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Wednesday, August 9, 2017

I'm heading to New Orleans this week for the Your Weight Matters National Convention #YWM2017 this week. I am proud to be part of the Convention Planning Committee. I can't wait for everyone to experience the wonderful speakers and education in the agenda this year. I am super jazzed about the diversity of topics... nutrition, sleep, stress, regrouping after setbacks, saboteurs to your health... we even have a topic on the connections between our pets and human obesity, really cool science and studies and practical tips and tools you can use come Monday morning.

And my main reason for attending every year... the wonderful community, reconnecting with friends and making lots of new ones! I've heard from a few of you reading that you are coming!! Yay! Can't wait to meet you all!

Thursday at the ENGAGE! Discover the Power of Your Voice Training I will be presenting: Why You Should Tell Your Story! and How Social Media Can Help Your Advocacy Efforts.

Friday: I will be taking part in the Event Welcome: The Power of Coming Together: The Harm of Accepting Weight Bias and then in the evening find me dancing at the Costume Party... look for flying feathers from my homemade costume which may or may not hold up, fingers crossed.

Saturday: I'll be presenting some of the awards at the OAC Reception and Awards Ceremony.

I'm also hosting two coffee talks: Tips and Tricks for Staying on Track in Social Situations on Friday and Logged-on: Online Resources to Achieve Your Health and Fitness Goals on Saturday.

Sunday: I'll be helping with the AM Send-Off.

Other than those... I am attending sessions, checking out all the awesome exhibitors and making new friends. If you are close... come! There's 3-day and single day on-site registration, health professionals can earn up to 18 CE hours too if you need added justification ;) Oh and locals can get a FREE Pass for the Community Outreach Day Event on Saturday. Lots of free samples and swag in the exhibit hall. See the link for more info and if you have a pal in the area tell them to come by.

If you are not headed to #YWM2017 this year, please consider attending the event next year. Psst... the 2018 location will be announced Friday night at the costume party. Watch my twitter feed for the breaking news!

It really is an event not to be missed. For me... it's a way to renew my commitment to my health. It energizes me and the inspiration and motivation carries me throughout the year. Well worth the price of admission! I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Catch a glimpse of all the fun on social media: I will be tweeting, snapping pics, maybe even taking a few videos from inside the action (and behind the scenes) so if you want to follow along be sure to follow my social media accounts:

Tuesday, August 8, 2017

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein®. I'm excited to share this new recipe featuring Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein Powder with you.

Flying this week to New Orleans for the Your Weight Matters National Convention. It's not a long flight but I have a layover without switching planes so I'll need little something more protein packed and sturdier than a packet of peanuts. I plan on drinking a Premier Protein Shake on the shuttle to the airport so BOOM with 30 grams of protein in each shake right there I already have a great start to my day and then in my carry-on bag I'll have a couple of these delicious Pecan Praline Mini Protein Muffins.

What's in my carry-on bag?

Folder with all my #YWM2017 handouts for my presentations
Ipad, cellphone and charger
Pens
Sunglasses/Eyeglasses
Umbrella
Vitamins
WalletMy famous Coin Purse (starting to fade a bit over the years)
Chill Pill Essential Oil
Business Cards with all my social media contact info (saves time swapping info with new pals at the #YWM2017 convention)
Mints
Sugar Free Drink SticksChocolate Strawberry Protein Granola
and a couple of these Pecan Praline Mini Protein Muffins

Pecan Pralines or "praw-leen" as the locals call them are a traditional confection full of sugar, butter, cream and pecans. In New Orleans, it used to be a tradition for young ladies to make pralines before going to a ball and then enjoy them with their beaux (escort) at their homes afterward. These protein packed muffins have the same nutty caramel flavors of those yummy Pecan Pralines without the sugar shock. I hope you give them a try.

Pour into a non stick mini muffin pan that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. Top each with a few chopped pecans.

Bake at 350 for 13-14 minutes. Edges will be golden, tops dry (toothpick test: stick a toothpick into the center of your muffin. If there is wet batter still on the toothpick, it needs more time in the oven. If it comes out clean, your muffins are done! )

It's important to eat protein when you are traveling, these muffins and the granola will keep me energized and full throughout my travel day and make me less likely to call up room service when I get to the hotel. Safe & healthy travels everyone!

Sunday, August 6, 2017

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. Yesterday's menu and a few fun product finds...

Breakfast: A quick and easy favorite breakfast of mine are these little Cottage Cheese Doubles. They come in a few different flavors but my favorite is the pineapple. I was sad a few weeks ago I couldn't find them anywhere in stores but it looks like a packaging change caused a lag in delivery.

Sometimes I top them with a little Protein Granola, crumbled Protein Bar or a few nuts. I just had it as is today. Next week, I'll be heading to New Orleans for the Your Weight Matters National Convention. My to-do-before-NOLA-list is pretty long but I'm chipping away... so I took off on errands to check a few off my list with a Caramel Premier Protein Shake (always a quick & easy way to get 30 grams of protein in.)

There's still time to join us (on-site registration is available) so if you are in the area or know someone who is please pass on the info: www.YWMConvention.com it always hurts my heart when someone reads my review of the event and messages me on Facebook "I didn't know you were in my town." We advertise everywhere but of course we can't get everyone... so please share with your pals and tell them to come find me and say Hi!

Lunch: I was excited to try this Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Crab Meat. I picked up the other day. It's a little box in the frozen section that contains 2 (each 4 oz. package is 90 calories = 22 grams of protein) portions of cooked crab (100% crab: lump, back-fin, and claw meat.)

You just need to defrost one or both packages and add to egg bites, crab cakes, omelettes, salads, soup. I took one and made a sort of play on Crab Imperial (another New Orleans dish) basically a warm crab dip, but I axed the mayo that is usually in it making it way lighter.

Mix the cooked crab and all but a few Tablespoons of the cheese together. Spoon into shallow baking dishes and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400 for 20 minutes and then broil the top for a few minutes till golden and bubbly. I served it with sliced cucumbers which are my go-to cracker/bread substitute.

I think this would also be great spooned into mini peppers or mushrooms or crunchy cheese cups. Mmmm perhaps the other package.

This is another little packaged frozen item I love. Pictsweet Farms Edamame with Sea Salt Farm Snacks (80 calories = 6 grams of protein) which makes fun snack or side dish. You just pop the box open, toss it in the microwave for a few minutes and voila.

Snacks: Coffee, Water with sugar free drink sticks and when I finally got a chance to plop down on the couch and watch a little TV. I had bag of these Pure Protein Crunch Bites. If you are looking for a little crunchy snack to take to the movies or on a flight these might be an option. They come in 2 flavors Double Chocolate & Peanut Butter.

I'm a little late to the party but I'm loving "This is Us" and want to finish season one before it returns at the end of September. For those watching: I had a flashback watching an episode the other day... the one when Kate (Chrissy Metz) is headed to apply for the foundation assistant job to Jami Gertz's character Marin (who BTW I can't look at without saying her line from Twister "I gotta go Julia, we've got cows") she gets to this huuuuuge staircase, looks up and says, "There is no way in hell, this job better be worth it, see ya world" and started up the stairs. The next scene shows her in the interview, winded, sweaty, fanning herself and trying to answer questions. Watching that scene, my heart literally began to pound as I remembered a similar situation in my life. Why is it that our brains are particularly good at recording bad memories? I actually paused the show. I needed to process the emotions it brought up. Every so often some bad memory will rush back from my unhealthy days like opening a wound you thought had long ago healed... a photo of a desk once had a similar effect. I know you guys understand.

I try to turn those negative memories into a positive by using the memory to reinforce how far I've come with my health and how now faced with a similar situation now I might run up the stairs for fun. It also reminds me that you can have a beautiful garden but you have to get down in the dirt and pull a few weeds now and then or they might take over ;)

So yeah... if you aren't watching the show... it's worthy of some of your downtime.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017

This post is sponsored by Premier Protein®. I'm excited to share this new recipe featuring Premier Protein Shakes and 100% Whey Protein Powder with you.

In the early 1950's, New Orleans was the major port of entry for bananas imported from Central and South America. The owner of Brennan's Restaurant, challenged his chef to include bananas on the menu. He famously created the iconic New Orleans dessert: Bananas Foster, a combo of bananas, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, ice cream and some booze. It is delicious but not the most weight loss surgery friendly food item, that's for sure. I decided that I would create a dessert for us that has all the yummy flavors of the traditional decadent dessert but something that wouldn't do damage to our weight, health or fitness goals.

I'm heading to New Orleans next month for #YWM2017 this year's Your Weight Matters National Convention, a 3-day educational event where the countries leading experts on weight, weight loss, nutrition, wellness topics like sleep, stress and emotional health will be sharing their latest research. It's going to be an amazing weekend. Advanced registration continues through July 28th but you can register at the door so if you need great education and inspiration on your weight loss journey... come to New Orleans next month. Find all the info about the event at www.YWMConvention.com and be sure to sign up for e-alerts to hear all the 411 about this event and the location (when announced) of next year's event!

Thanks to Premier Protein for creating their delicious Bananas & Cream Protein Shake it's what inspired me to create this protein-packed recipe (30 grams of protein in each shake.) I also used Premier Protein 100% Whey Protein Powder in the Cinnamon Protein Granola that made the perfect base layer of my nod to New Orleans Banana Fosters Pudding Jars.

Spoon a couple of Tablespoons of Cinnamon Protein Granola into each jar. Set aside while you make the pudding.

Pour the chilled shakes and pudding mix into a shaker bottle. Shake for 3 minutes or until thickened slightly and place in fridge for about 5 minutes to thicken further.

Spoon the protein pudding on top of the granola layer.

Top with Bananas Foster topping. These Premier Protein Bananas Foster Pudding Jars will store in the fridge for several days but they will not last long... seriously, non-ops I gave them to LOVED them. Hide yours.

Mix all ingredients together. Squeeze together with your hands till clumps form. You need to use your hands for this one.

If your almond butter is on the loose side add a little more protein, if it's on the drier side add a little more syrup till clumps form. Place on a non-stick sprayed, foil lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool.

The 6 pudding jars use 1/2 of this batch of granola, store the remaining in an airtight container for several days. It's delicious sprinkled on Greek yogurt, cottage or ricotta cheese, or put it in a baggie and it makes a great airplane snack! I'll have a baggie in my carry-on when I head to New Orleans!

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

So you guys know I make ricotta pancakes all the time. They are a staple post weight loss surgery breakfast for me. Over the years, I've made sweet versions and savory ones. I've made mini versions both sweet and savory. I've even made sandwiches out of them but I've never thought to turn them into little pizzas till last night. What... I know right?!

Growing up when my family ate something for dinner that was a little too British (Steak & Kidney Pie) or Sicilian (Squid) for my kid palate I had a couple of go-to meals I would eat instead: one was pasta with just butter and Parmesan cheese or I'd have a toasted English muffin pizza. This dinner I made yesterday totally reminded me of my little muffin pizzas except these have way more protein and way less carbs. Soooo good! I can't believe I haven't been making these for years.

Mix pancake ingredients together. Spray non-stick pan with Pam. Cook on low till bubbles appear, flip. Cook till done. Makes 8 pancakes (about the size of the container those BreathSavers 3 Hour Mints that I love, about 3"-ish across.) These pancakes can be made ahead and reheated.Cook's Note: I used whole milk ricotta if you use part skim. Drain through a mesh sieve lined with a coffee filter for several hours or overnight in the fridge. Avoid ricotta that says "creamier formula" you want regular ricotta.

To Assemble the Ricotta Pancake Pizzas:
Line a baking sheet with foil and place as many of the ricotta pancakes as you are turning onto pizzas on the tray.

I topped each cooked pancake with a little store bought Tomato Sauce

I sprinkled each with a little shredded Italian blend cheese and a couple of them I added mini Pepperoni

and broiled them in the oven (or toaster oven) for about 2 minutes just till the cheese was all melty.

These reheat great in the microwave not as crispy edges of course but still delicious.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Post weight loss surgery it's a given there will be a lot of leftovers... or sadly some waste. I hate wasting food and frankly I don't have the money to not use leftovers. You could just heat them up but that would be... BORING. I much prefer "repurposing" them...

Repurposing: Transforming leftovers into something equally as yummy. The goal is for them to taste and look so completely different you don't realize you are having leftovers.

Mission accomplished. Here are three delicious and very different meals and it all started with an extra piece of chicken...

1. I made a batch of my Unbreaded Chicken Tenders. I just dredge chicken breast tenders in beaten egg then in a combo of almond meal and Parmesan (1/2 cup almond meal to 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese) and seasonings (salt, pepper, sprinkle of Zaatar.) I sauteed them in a small amount of olive oil but for an even lighter version you can bake them. I do 425 (foil lined, non stick sprayed, baking sheet) for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness. They are great served with a homemade Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce (add herbs or a little BBQ sauce or mustard to plain Greek yogurt to change it up.)

3. And finally... the leftover Pesto Zucchini Noodles became this Frittata (Italian Omelette) in the morning...

I warmed about a cup of leftover Pesto "Zoodles" Zucchini Noodles in a saute pan. Add 3-4 beaten eggs. Cook till almost set. Sprinkle with Parmesan Cheese and toss under the broiler till top is set and lightly golden.

Saturday, July 8, 2017

A day in my pouch is a series of blog posts to show what a typical daily menu looks like in my post weight loss surgery world. Today's healthy and delicious menu...

Breakfast: We are in the middle of a hideous heatwave. I debated going to the Farmer's Market but I did need a few things. I didn't have a single onion or any garlic in the house... an Italian with no onions and garlic is sacrilegious. I was in and out though. I grabbed my list items, some zucchini, a couple of peaches, strawberries, avocados, carrots, celery, a little bag of red walnuts. It wasn't even 9 AM the sun was blazing hot... no one tell me there's no global warming.

I stopped in Starbucks and got those Sous Vide Egg Bites for breakfast. I asked last month and got the heads up from a Barista that they were coming back at the end of June. I spotted them a few days ago but it was after breakfast. Nice to have them back as an option. If they aren't back in your hood yet, they should be soon.

I came home and quickly made up dinner. I had a little lump of ground beef from the night before. I hoped the zucchini would be good to make zucchini boats but I figured if all else failed I would have made bacon cheeseburger deviled eggs or one of my other ground beef recipes but the zucchini was perfect. I made little zucchini boats so all I would have to do is heat them up in the microwave come dinner time.

Lunch: It was 108° (this is day 3 of this) so the entire middle of the day I consumed nothing but liquids and survived. Water bottles with my latest favorite drink stick flavor: Sugar Free Squirt (99 cent store)

This new flavored water from Trader Joe's. Comes in 2 flavors: Lemongrass Spearmint (haven't tried it) and the Lemon Ginger which I LOVE...

Take the halved zucchini and using a melon baller or a small spoon to scrape out the middle (not all but enough to get a nice amount of filling in.) Place them on a non stick baking sheet. Brown the ground beef, drain any fats. Set aside.

Chop the zucchini middles up and toss it in with the the onions and mushrooms and saute till golden. Add sauce and beef. Stir till combined. Fill each zucchini boat. Top with cheeses.

Bake for 350 for 30 minutes.

Snacks: I made a Chocolate Microwave Protein Cake about 5 minutes ago and when I hit publish this awaits... and some mindless TV. Oh I did end up cancelling DirectTV and went with YouTube TV (w/Live TV) so far so good... $35 versus $86. Woot.

About Me

I had my guts rearranged (aka Weight Loss Surgery, RNY gastric bypass surgery June 2006) This blog is basically me rambling about my world. I also post recipes that I've adapted to make weight loss surgery friendly.
I love to cook.
I have always loved to cook. It's my creative outlet. I was scared that having weight loss surgery would put an end to my days in the kitchen but happily it did not. I actually get to be even more creative by analyzing a favorite recipe and seeing where I can make changes to make a healthier version of a pre-op favorite.